YouSaid · the spoken record

ROMULO

lines on the record: 501
first: 1957-09-24
most recent: 1994-09-24
sittings or episodes: 17
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We are only too aware of the highly volatile situation in the region of the world where my country is located, where foreign troops continue to occupy Kampuchea. The international community has repeatedly called for a comprehensive political solution to the Kampuchean problem which will provide for the withdrawal of ail foreign forces and ensure respect for the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and neutral and non-aligned status of Kampuchea, as well as the right of the Kampuchean people to self-determination free from outside interference. My Government, in concert with other members of ASEAN, is firmly committed to the restoration of a stable and lasting peace in the region based on the real independence of the Kampuchean people.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“To prevent its repetition we suggest that the Assembly begin the study of new and binding international agreements to ensure the safety of commercial aviation in circumstances similar to those which befell the Korean airliner. 5. This year has seen a sharp increase in the intensity and proliferation of conflict in the world. More than ever, the world Organization, through no intrinsic fault of its own, has been relegated to the sidelines in the very circumstances that it was created to moderate and resolve. This is not in keeping with the intent of the founders or in accordance with the will of the majority of the Members. It is brought about, rather, by the reluctance of a few States to acknowledge the will of the global community. It is, of course, these very conditions which led to the demise of the League of Nations. 6.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The loss of the commercial airliner, KAL Flight 007, shot down under circumstances not satisfactorily explained, is a tragedy in human terms. What is undeniable is that the unarmed commercial plane was destroyed by missiles fired by Soviet military aircraft and that all its 269 innocent — I repeat, innocent passengers, of whom 24 were Filipinos, perished. My Government and people share the universal condemnation of and indignation over the loss of human lives, and we have formally asked for a full investigation to establish responsibility for the disaster. We have also asked for reparations to the families of the deceased. 4. The tragedy has another dimension. It could aggravate tensions between the super-Powers. It is therefore a matter of serious concern to the Assembly.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“1. It is a privilege to congratulate you, Sir, on your election as President of the thirty-eighth session of the General Assembly. You bring to this high office impeccable qualifications, experience and wisdom. It is a tribute to Panama that one of its illustrious sons, a former Minister for Foreign Affairs and currently the Vice-President of its Government, now serves as President of the Assembly. Panama and the Philippines share a common historical heritage and strong ties of friendship. It is therefore with greater pleasure that we see you lead our deliberations. 2. At the same time, we extend our congratulations to the outgoing President. Working under the pressure of serious international events, he discharged his duty with admirable dispatch and objectivity. 3. We begin our deliberations under the shadow of a horrible disaster.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“I share with him the view that we should work unremittingly to build a sense of world community on the firm foundation of a political and moral order which alone can lift mankind to the "broad sunlit uplands" of peace and security.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“I am absolutely convinced that the United Nations is indispensable in a world fraught with tension and peril. Institutions such as this are not built in a day. They require constant constructive work and fidelity to the principles on which they are based. "We take the United Nations seriously when we desperately need it. I would urge that we also seriously consider the practical ways in which it should develop its capacity and be used as an essential institution in a stormy and uncertain world." 240. As one who has been deeply involved in the United Nations from the very start and bitterly regretted its defeats and savoured its triumphs, I compliment the Secretary-General on his acute analysis of the United Nations.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“But the same cannot be said of the second, the other United Nations in its primary role of maintaining international peace and security. This is the theme which the Secretary-General develops in his bold and perceptive annual report. Thank God for a Secretary-General who sees through the difficulties that we face. His suggestions cannot be dismissed lightly for, as head of the Organization, his voice carries special weight and authority. 239. My delegation is prepared to support the Secretary-General's suggestion for a meeting of the Security Council "at the highest possible level" to discuss the problems which have impaired the proper functioning of the Organization as envisioned by its founders. I can do no better in closing than to quote the words of the Secretary-General which we should always bear in mind in this Hall: "...”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The draft Manila declaration is a worthy attempt to provide specific interpretations of the Charter's provisions on the peaceful settlement of disputes and in this sense it constitutes a watershed in the efforts of the Organization to ensure the well- beingof peoples and the maintenance of international peace and security and in addition promote the progressive development of international law. If I read properly between the lines of the Secretary-General's report, that is precisely what he means. 237. It has been said that there are two United Nations, The first United Nations has on balance achieved remarkable progress in the economic and social fields, notably in assisting the younger nations in their first faltering efforts at development. 238.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“In recognition of the post-atomic realities, the Assembly did approve the creation of a Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization in a search for ways and means of improving the functioning of the United Nations within the framework of the present Charter. The Special Committee is now ready to present to the Assembly the first concrete document resulting from a labour of nearly seven years.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“It is a subject of extreme importance and should, if we are aware of our responsibilities, provoke a great deal of thought among us. 235. For years my delegation, having in mind Article 109 of the Charter, which suggests the holding of a general conference for a review of the Charter, has proposed that steps be taken towards amending it. Unfortunately, the assumptions, not to speak of the circumstances, which inspired the founding fathers in framing the Charter of the United Nations changed almost immediately after its ratification. To press the issue of a general conference at this time would raise a political storm which we can ill afford in a time of persisting crises. 236.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The monumental document produced by the Conference will, when it enters into force, become the international law, or the law of mankind, which will govern the rights and duties of nations on the uses of the waters of the earth. We in ASEAN are proud that the President who steered the Conference on the Law of the Sea to that final declaration is Mr. Koh, the representative of Singapore, one of the nations of ASEAN. It is the earnest hope of my delegation, as well as of the 130 nations which voted for the Convention, that in the interests of an orderly regime on the seas of the world those that did not find it possible to vote for it will in the future accede to it and thus make the Convention universal in fact as well as in law. 234. Allow me to return to the subject of the Secretary-General's report.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Such an approach, in our view, would close the last remaining gap and thus enable the long-delayed global negotiations to get under way. 232. Turning to another subject of a global character, my delegation wishes to express its gratification at the completion of the work of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea. It has involved many years of difficult negotiations but it is certainty one of the more hopeful signs of the rich possibilities open in the way of international cooperation. 233. Although the Convention on the Law of the Sea was not adopted by consensus, as originally planned, this does not detract from the importance of the work of the Conference.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“That is now the North-South dialogue. 231. As we resume discussions at this session, we diverge on only two points. To those who hold differing views on these two points, these are no doubt of great importance, and their reluctance to accept either is therefore understandable. Yet the potential reward of agreement and the possible penalties of failure to reach agreement are of such magnitude that they allow us few, if any, options. Therefore I would urge all parties to look beyond narrower preoccupations for the sake of the larger good. On the part of the Philippines, my delegation is prepared to accept neither one nor the other formulation but both formulations in a common text. We do so in the firm belief that in practice and application the two points are not necessarily irreconcilable.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“In joint efforts and in an admirable spirit of compromise encouraged by the high-level meetings in Cancun, Ottawa, Versailles and New Delhi, among others, we have managed to reach agreements on nearly all the outstanding points of difference. 230. I recall that, at the signing of the Bretton Woods Agreement in New Hampshire in 1946, when I signed the Agreement on behalf of the Philippines, I then said: "The economic pattern being drawn here was established by the victorious Allies, but this will not last long. More members of the United Nations will join in the future. Last year we signed a United Nations Charter with 54 nations. I envision more than 100 nations will join. In that case they will decide that they want a new international economic order." I said that in 1946, when we signed the Bretton Woods Agreement.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“I shall refrain from dealing with subjects already touched upon by President Marcos when he addressed the Assembly the other day. I might only add that, with respect to the launching of global negotiations on international economic co-operation for development, we might remind ourselves once more that these negotiations were conceived in the light of our shared concern over the steady deterioration of our economies. The need to establish a firm basis for global economic progress that is equitable to all acquires added importance in view of the inadequate response of some of our institutions to the problems of contemporary economic relations.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“In the face of this development, Viet Nam has a final option: to wipe out the fledgling and under-supplied anti-Vietnamese forces before their movement gathers strength and momentum. There are reports that this is precisely what it intends to do. It is in this light that the need for support and assistance acquires urgency. We urge our friends to provide it. 228. Another potential source of tension in Asia is the uncertain and precarious relations between North and South Korea. Conflict in that divided country is bound to have a severe impact in the strategic region of North-East Asia. Therefore we would encourage the parties concerned to launch fresh initiatives which could lead towards the goal of reunification. President Chun of South Korea has taken the initiative in this regard and he deserves our support. 229.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“In deciding on a coalition the Kampuchean nationalists have assumed the mantle of legality, a cloak denied them before although they fought and continue to fight, with valour, and in circumstances of insuperable difficulties. 227. If they are to succeed in their endeavour, they will require material assistance from friends that have in this very Hall condemned the illegitimate usurpation of Kampuchea by Viet Nam. At this very moment thousands of Kampucheans await the call in the determined effort to recover their birthright. We have every hope that, with the support of friends, the Kampuchean coalition or the democratic Government of Kampuchea will in the end pave the way for the restoration of Kampuchean sovereignty in free elections under the supervision of the United Nations.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Because of the events in Lebanon, Israel may find itself with its back against the wall, with foes but no friends and isolated beyond hope of redemption. We very much doubt that this is what Israel wants. We therefore call upon Israel to heed the voices of reason and moderation. Too much blood has been spilled in the Middle East and too many bitter tears shed for Israel to ignore the growing clamour for peace with justice and honour. 225. Kampuchea, on the other side of the world, the hopeful sign is the formation of the Coalition of Kampuchean Nationalists under the leadership of Prince Samdech Norodom Sihanouk. The formation of the Coalition signifies the determination of the Kampuchean nationalists to expel the foreign forces from Kampuchean soil and enable its people to exercise freely their right to self-determination. 226.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“We hold, furthermore, that at an appropriate stage in the process the PLO should be a party to the negotiations leading to permanent peace in the area. 223. It should be noted that neither the United States nor the Arab States have rejected each other's proposals. This fact leads to the hope, however tenuous, that each recognizes certain common denominators in the proposals and to the further recognition that in the existing circumstances, modality is of the utmost importance. 224. It is Israel that has proved to be intransigent, possibly in the euphoria of military success. But the one thing it must acknowledge is that its military victory over the PLO has, by a curious paradox, improved the political standing of the PLO.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“For this reason, my delegation welcomes the initiatives of President Reagan and the Twelfth Arab Summit Conference at Fez. We believe that these are starting- points which in the course of the negotiating process could be merged, in the legitimate interests of all the parties concerned. 121. My delegation identifies with the positive elements of the United States proposal, which iß based on the Camp David accords ratified by the Israeli Knesset, notably the immediate freeze on the establishment of Jewish settlements and opposition to permanent control by Israel over the West Bank and Gaza. 222. My delegation maintains, however, that the full autonomy envisaged for these areas should lead to the implementation of the right of self-determination by the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent State coexisting with Israel.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“At the core of the problem is the issue of Palestine. The new and highly disturbing element is a widely perceived effort to solve the problem not through political means, but by the use of force. This is clearly unacceptable, not only in terms of Security Council resolution 242 (1967) but also in terms of the principles of the Charter. 220. No one is under any illusion that the Middle East situation can be solved on the instant, but it is quite correct to say that the end of armed conflict offers fresh opportunities for a new start. The intractable problem is ingrained psychological blocks which make dialogue more difficult than it should be. This is why negotiations must be a processóthat is, a continuing dialogue which makes compromises possible.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“In expressing his views the Secretary- General has reminded us that the strengthening of the United Nations is the first order of business and that the performance of this task, difficult though it may be, is indispensable to the solution of the problems which threaten the peace of the world. 218. In the past we have often tended to substitute hyperbole for thought. Today the situation has changed: hyperbole has turned into fact. The tragic events in Lebanon, serious problems in themselves, reverberate throughout the entire Middle East and raise anew the unwelcome prospects of wider conflict. The Middle East is the vortex of crisis and, if the past is a guide to the future, it will almost certainly involve other Powers in a conflict which may well be larger and more destructive than any in the unending series of Middle East wars. 219.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“We are delighted to welcome the new Secretary- General, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar. A thorough professional, he is universally regarded as a diplomat's diplomat, and we are happy that he is now at the head of the Organization. He has revealed to us the other side of his natureócourage and candour in admitting the deficiencies of the United Nations, together with constructive suggestions which should enable us to return to the first principles of the Charter. The Secretary-General has seen us as in a mirror and asked us to take a closer look at ourselves with a view to providing remedies for the ailments of the United Nations system.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“My delegation extends its warm congratulations to Mr. Hollai on his unanimous election to the presidency of the thirty- seventh session of the General Assembly. It is my pleasure to have known him for several years as a friend. His wide experience, especially in the affairs of the United Nations, and his richly deserved reputation for skill, patience and the accumulated wisdom of experience constitute a guarantee that this session will be fruitful and constructive. We look to his guidance and leadership in the resolution of the numerous problems that exist at this most critical period for the relations among nations. 216. To his predecessor, Mr. Kittani, who served under similarly difficult circumstances and emerged with honour, my delegation also extends its congratulations. 217.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“In the face of grave crises we need to summon all the resources of courage and wisdom at our command, always keeping in view the great goal of achieving a better life for all in an environment of peace and justice. 39. We shall be guided, Mr. President, by your wise counsel, and we shall be fortified by the boundless patience and unsurpassed statesmanship of the Secretary General, who embodies in his own person the very qualities which have made the United Nations an indispensable tool for the solution of the grave problems which face us in times of crisis,”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“The Special Committee on the Charter has negotiated at length on the draft Manila declaration on the peaceful settlement of international disputes, the first tangible product of the Committee following many years of activity. We are hopeful that the draft will be completed and adopted at an early date, and that this will lead to further steps, including a treaty on the peaceful settlement of disputes, with binding obligations. 38. The task which confronts us at this session of the General Assembly is a formidable one. In nearly every comer of the world, potentials for danger exist, threatening to cancel out the patient work of the Organization on behalf of peace. This is a time of testing for the United Nations that will last for many years to come.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“My delegation suggests that the Conference, scheduled for March and April 1982, should have enough leeway so that it can extend its eight week session by one or two weeks if necessary to complete its work. 36. On another important question, the Philippines reaffirms its firm commitment to the successful outcome of the work of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization. The Charter, like every product of the human mind, is not immune from reform. It is not perfect. It must b dynamic and must adapt to the altered circumstances of a world in transition. 37.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“A clear determination of the extent of the sovereignty and jurisdiction of States over the waters of the seas is needed to avoid economic and political conflicts, and even military confrontations, caused by uncertainty. The orderly exploitation under an international regime of these rich nodules on the ocean floor is necessary to implement the principle that the resources of the seas outside national jurisdiction are the common heritage of mankind. 35. The failure of the Conference to conclude a universally accepted convention would be tragic, because the alternative is chaos in the regime of the seas. For the sake of humanity, all States must resolve to reach final agreement at the next session of the Conference.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Last year, it will be recalled, the Assembly acknowledged the nearly completed draft not only as being important in itself, but as being an example of how much the United Nations can achieve when the requisite will is present. Our expectations, unfortunately, proved to be premature but not, we hope, irremediable. We express the view of a majority in this forum that to reopen fundamental issues already decided by consensus over the span of a decade of arduous labor would amount to rejection of the draft convention. if 34. The importance of that convention cannot be overestimated. It is vital to peace and stability in the oceans.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Both involve the use of force and the repression of the right of their respective peoples freely to determine their own destiny. We cannot give our willing assent to flagrant violations of the Charter or ignore the danger to world peace inherent in these intolerable acts of aggression. My delegation appeals to everyone present in this Assembly to unite and, with one voice, to urge the parties concerned to return to the peaceful and orderly processes of settlement of the problems of Afghanistan and Kampuchea. 33. Turning to another subject, my delegation views with deep regret the failure of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea to adopt the convention on the law of the sea.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“In another part of Asia, an old problem which still remains a danger deserves fresh examination. Although the question of the reunification of Korea is not on the agenda of the Assembly, we should take note of the efforts of President Chun to revive the negotiations at the summit level. In view of the lack of response from the North, perhaps the already overburdened SecretaryGeneral could be persuaded in the interest of peace to use his good offices as a channel of communication. In the past we have supported the admission of the two Koreas into the United Nations if it would serve the interests of both. We do so again today. 32. We cannot stress too strongly our concern with the related issues of Afghanistan and Kampuchea.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“With this end in view, the Declaration calls for negotiations based on four major elements. 30. It continues to be a matter of regret that Viet Nam and its friends chose to avoid the Conference. The elements for negotiations were offered in openhanded and sincere fashion, and to all observers they were most reasonable ones. But Viet Nam continues to entertain the fiction that the Kampuchean problem lies outside the purview of the United Nations and that therefore any action which the United Nations might take is, in their words, illegal. This is an untenable proposition. We once again invite Viet Nam to come forward and begin considering serious steps to solve a problem which has increased world instability and caused Viet Nam itself great difficulties. 31.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“For the rest of the world, the violation of the sovereign rights of an independent people by the use of naked force is gross misconduct from which it cannot and should not avert its eyes. 28. The situation in Kampuchea continues to be a matter of very serious concern. The spurious claims of the restoration of stability in that war-torn county are not borne out by the facts. They are false. The situation remains a threat to the peace of the whole of SouthEast Asia, to all of us in SouthEast Asia. 29. Earlier this summer, the International Conference on Kampuchea was convened under the auspices of the United Nations. The major result was a Declaration unanimously adopted by the Conference.1 The Conference agreed that the key to the Kampuchean problem lies in a comprehensive political settlement.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“The Soviet Union has consistently rejected the beginnings of a dialog which could at the least create a framework within which negotiations could take place, leading to the withdrawal of Soviet forces and the exercise of self-determination by the Afghan people. There is no other rational solution to a problem which correctly concerns the whole world, not only because it violates the 0 Charter of the United Nations, but also because it has extensive ramifications which could in time involve other areas of Asia and the Middle East. In the meantime, the Soviet Union is paying an unexpectedly high price in supporting a satellite regime which does not have the support of the Afghan people.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“My delegation is prepared to support once again any initiative by the General Assembly to secure the immediate implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978) on the subject and for the imposition of sanctions on South Africa within a specified time-frame. 26. Within South Africa itself, the racist policies remain unchanged. But it is a measure of the increasingly bold opposition by that country's black majority that violence has demonstrably increased in the past year. The radicalization of oppressed elements is a natural consequence of unceasing repression. South Africa should not be surprised if it finds itself increasingly besieged from within and from without. 27. In Afghanistan, the prospects for solution remain dim.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Unless and until Israel modifies its unyielding stand on this issue, violence will continue to rack that part of the world. Israel has a legitimate concern for its security, and the Palestinians must recognize this, but Israel's reactions transcend the limits of that concern. Israel must accept that it cannot aspire to be the paramount power in the region; a just solution requires, within the boundaries of security for all, an equal partnership in peaceful endeavors. 25. Similar conditions afflict Namibia in southern Africa. It is difficult, in the light of the negotiations of the last few years, to interpret South Africa's intransigent position as anything but delaying tactics to enable it to perpetuate its occupation of Namibia.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Policy choices in key areas fall within the political range of international decision-making. For this reason we look forward with cautious optimism to the informal exchange of views at the International Meeting on Cooperation and Development, to be held next month. It may and could provide the needed political will to launch the long-delayed global round of negotiations at this session of the Assembly. 23. Having dealt with those two paramount issues, I turn now to problems of a regional character. 24. The events of the past year in the Middle East suggest a setback in the continuing efforts to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the interlocking problems which beset the region. In OUJ: view, the most important single element is the question of Palestinian self-determination.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“We must recognize the changed nature of interdependence. The problems of the poor and the rich impinge on each other and cause grave difficulties for both. 21. In the report of the World Bank in 1981, the developing countries are described as "engines of growth" in the world economy. The report makes two important points. Firstly, an increment of 1 per cent in the rate of growth of developing countries would generate significant increases in the developed world. Secondly, the sustained development efforts by the developing countries prevented serious recession and widespread unemployment in the industrialized countries. In our view, this is the operational meaning of interdependence. 22. Yet the continued depressed condition of the world economy is not necessarily inevitable.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“The new economics of war preparedness conflicts with the global demand for higher standards of living and for the even more urgent task of eradicating poverty everywhere. Abundant proof exists that the increasing capacity to wage war not only endangers peace but also dissipates international wealth. 20. I suggest that this situation is not worth the price that it entails, for it involves grinding poverty and social and political instability, with their predictable adverse consequences for world peace. Many less developed countries are engaged in massive and sustained national efforts to promote growth and eradicate poverty. But a deteriorating external environment for development will make these efforts increasingly difficult, if it does not frustrate them altogether. We wish to emphasize that this is not a one-way street.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“We should make every effort to maintain the momentum which can lead to meaningful results in the proposed conference on disarmament to be held early next year. 19. The spiraling arms race has an obvious connection with the other great issues that face the world today, and which the SecretaryGeneral also emphasizes. I refer to the NorthSouth dialog. In his farewell address to the. Assembly, the outgoing President, Mr. von Wechmar, called attention to the fact that if only 5 per cent of the budget for military expenditures were diverted to economic development, it would provide a solution to the stagnant world economy, particularly the economies, of the developing countries [1st meeting, para. 13]. This sage observation underscores the need to curb the vast sums spent for military hardware and weapons development.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“He continues: "In international affairs, confusion, confrontation and emotion cannot accurately be foreseen, forestalled or controlled, and a nuclear war would be both devastatingly quick and conclusive'. If the present nuclear arms race among the most powerful States is the greatest potential danger threatening mankind, a similar race between additional nuclear States will add immeasurably to that danger and to the risk of the actual use of nuclear weapons." [Ibid.] 17. Those are words of warning from the man who has been leading us all this time. 18. Until this issue is resolved, further forward movement on general disarmament in the longer term will be impeded and may indeed put at issue once more the limited gains in the area of collateral measures achieved after lengthy and protracted endeavors. Time is not on our side.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“After a period of relative relaxation, the relations between the superPowers are again going through a period of tension, and there are clear indications of a sharply intensified upward spiral in their arms buildup." [Ibid, sect. V.] 16. Those are wise words, words of alarm, words that should alert all of Us. The Secretary General continues a little later: "From their first appearance in history, the existence of nuclear weapons added a new and frightening dimension to the potentialities for world catastrophe. While the governments concerned have rightly expressed their extreme aversion to using such weapons, their very existence in the tense context of greatPower relationships constitutes an unprecedented threat to human society and civilization." [Ibid.] Those are the words of the SecretaryGeneral warning the superPowers.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Only he, as a seasoned diplomat and with his long experience as SecretaryGeneral, could have given us such a statesmanlike report, which should be translated into all languages in order to give the world a correct overall appraisal of the contemporary condition of human kind. 15. On the subject of the arms race, for example, the Secretary-General has the following to say in his unchallengeable analysis. I hope that the superPowers will listen to him. He says: "What is called the problem of the arms race is in reality a complex of problems. The largest single factor fueling the worldwide arms buildup has for a long time been the hostility between East and West.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“In this grave situation, we must again appeal to the great Powers to begin conversations within a framework which will permit the resumption of agreements on mutually acceptable limitations of nuclear weapons. The longer the delay on this most critical issue, the greater are the chances that the rising level of tension will escalate to unacceptable proportions and thus ignite a conflagration which, without question, will incinerate the entire planet. 14. In this connection, my delegation wishes to invite the attention of the Assembly to the wide-ranging report of the SecretaryGeneral on the work of the Organization [A/36/1]. In his customary fashion, the SecretaryGeneral has drawn for us a faithful picture of our times, full of sharp insights into the human condition and all encompassing in his range of vision.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“The practical consequences of this lack of communication affect all of us and form the main burden of the deliberations of this session. It is in this context that we must view the ominous signs of the revival of the arms race, especially the infinitely sophisticated new generation of nuclear weapons with the power to destroy the world many times over. The efforts to establish an agreed ceiling on the most lethal nuclear arms remain deadlocked, a situation which enlarges the factor of uncertainty and further encourages even higher levels of nuclear weapon development. 13. Many times in this forum, we have raised our voices in apprehension that the unimaginable horrors of nuclear war will be visited on mankind with profit to none and loss to all, including those with the power to unleash the weapons of apocalypse.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“A third is lack of confidence in the viability of a world order capable of sustaining longterm stability. And a fourth is over-dependence on the luck of the gambler for the sake of particular interests. 11. It would be ideal to suggest that the foregoing elements the hidden and unrecognized causes that move men and nations to action could be eradicated by a simple act of will. But they can be mitigated by open dialog or, in a word, by communication. It is one of the ironies of our time that, on a planet shrunk by unbelievable technological advances in communication, the one thing that we have been unable to solve is the act of communication among men in order to bridge the mysterious gap, which can lead to understanding. 12.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“But it is quite evident that the "windows of opportunity" for promoting a stable world order based on tacitly accepted norms of international conduct are at this moment firmly shut. Unless we can reopen those windows and it is our task to do so we should all very much fear that, against our will, we shall be writing a prescription for global disaster. 9. Why have we reached this dark passage in the history of our time? I suggest that behind the great issues of arms control, the apparently insoluble dilemmas in the Middle East and the issues of Afghanistan and Kampuchea lie profound psychological causes. 10.. The following elements, among many others, have obvious causal connections with our failure to move ahead. One is deep seated fears and suspicions. A second is an ineradicable feeling of insecurity.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“But many more remain persistent and chronic, rising and falling in severity in accordance with the unpredictable global political climate. 7. Today we know that these crises create a cumulative impact. At a particular point in time the problems converge and generate intolerable pressures seemingly beyond our power to control. The prospect of a new world order built on the acceptance of reciprocal interests leading to peace, justice and security for all has been an illusory fabric, too frail to bear the burden of our deepest hopes. 8. We derive a measure of optimism from the fact that in the past we have managed our problems in a way that has kept the world on a reasonably even keel.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“He ran the Assembly with exemplary efficiency and punctuality which we must learn to emulate at this session and imparted much of his wisdom in the solution of the numerous difficulties which beset the past session, especially in his pioneer work on global negotiations. In his eloquent valedictory address [ibid.], the best ever delivered by any outgoing President of the General Assembly, including myself, he left us a great deal of food for thought and profitable lessons for us all. 6. In the last 10 years we have noted the changing tone and color of the relations among nations. Periodic crises, often low-key but more frequently of an emergency character, have continued to occur in the world. Many of these have been solved by time, like a wound that heals itself.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Having served as an international civil servant in a high capacity, you have an unrivaled knowledge of the vast machinery of the United Nations, a knowledge that we are sure you will share with us in our deliberations during this session. 4. I acknowledge gratefully your kind reference to me in your opening remarks following your election [1st meeting]. I can only say that if during my term as President, in 1949, I had had even a small portion of your mastery of the workings of the Assembly, and if I were younger, I would consider running for President again when Asia's turn next comes round. 5. Our congratulations also go to the outgoing President, Mr. Rudiger von Wechmar.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)